Newburgh, NY (January 15, 2025)—San Miguel Academy of Newburgh was thrilled to welcome Olympic gold medalist Nick Mead to the School on Wednesday, January 15th. Nick won gold at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the coxless men’s four, which was the first Olympic gold for the men’s four since 1960. Nick and his teammates have been rowing together since the Tokyo Olympics, where they finished fourth just behind New Zealand. Nick and his team trained for both Olympics under legendary coach Mike Teti, who is also a good friend of San Miguel Academy Rowing. Nick and swimmer Katie Ledecky were selected by their TeamUSA teammates to carry the flag at closing ceremonies
Nick brought along his gold medal for the students to pass around. He spoke to the student about his journey as a rower and the importance of pursuing one’s passion, no matter the voices and forces that make it difficult. Along with the joy that rowing brings, Nick was clear about the challenges: sacrificing time with family and friends, the time commitment (‘the more time you put in the better you get’), and finding the inner resources to keep going: “It’s easy to do the hard thing when you’re motivated, but motivation is temporary. Discipline is long-lasting. Discipline and consistency will give you an edge over everyone else in the sport.”
After receiving his official San Miguel Rowing gear, Nick observed rowing practice where many rowers, inspired by Nick’s story and achievements, achieved their personal best in their weekly 6K on the rowing machines. Several rowers sought his advice on technique and timing for an upcoming indoor race. San Miguel Academy and its hard-working student-athletes are grateful for Nick’s encouragement and appreciate the opportunity to learn from him.
San Miguel Academy Rowing is one of the largest middle school programs in the country, with 100% student participation. Its mission is to increase educational opportunities for its student-athletes. The program has proven to be significantly beneficial in helping students secure top-level educational opportunities in high school and college. San Miguel Academy rowers have qualified for and completed in the US Rowing Youth National Championships, finishing in the top ten several times.
San Miguel Academy serves low-opportunity families in Newburgh, NY, who would typically only be able to access the sport of rowing with the assistance of San Miguel Academy and our sponsors. San Miguel Academy Rowing is currently sponsored by the New York Giants Foundation, A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, the Head of the Charles/ Philadelphia Gold Cup Foundation, and US Rowing.
